A Rather Sad Monday

Last Monday night I had to leave the shelter early, and when I returned home I had a facebook message from one of the shelter volunteers. She warned me that a family had been in, and were seriously considering adopting my favorites- Ethan and Joel. I knew that I probably only had a few hours to decide whether or not to adopt them. Whether or not to skip work and rush into the shelter right away in the morning and swoop in ahead of the family. Under the weight of the day, the thought of losing them, and the stress of the situation, I cried for about half an hour, unsure of what to do. Due to certain circumstances I didn't want to have to decide right then and there. I didn't have a good way, nor enough time, to acquire cat food, litter and boxes, bowls, toys, nor the permission from my apartment management.

I held my breath every day, hoping that they would still be there on Monday, and all week Ethan and Joel's names remained on the website as adoptable cats. Friday night I decided that the next Monday I would go in and state my interest, fill out a form, and ask questions about their history, health, etc.

Saturday morning they were gone.

The shelter was lonely without them. Even the other cats seemed less playful and more subdued. I didn't want to clean the back room- it felt too empty without them- but as I was in there saying hello to the cats I was asked to stay and warn people about Nipper.

Nipper, watching the world from the corner.

Oh, poor Nipper. True to her name, she'll nip or swat at you if you try to pet her. She originally came from the shelter, years ago, but her owner passed away recently and she was brought back to the shelter. She has not been a happy girl since. She had her own private room for a couple weeks, but this week she was allowed to roam about the large, back room. We just had to make sure that no one pets her- even if she sniffs or rubs against anyone's legs.

"Our next goal is to get you to adopt Hamburger and Olivia Benson," one of the volunteers told me. When she had seen that Ethan and Joel were adopted over the weekend she had excitedly texted the volunteer who had warned me of the interested family, asking if it was I who had adopted them.

"Hamburger and Olivia Benson were adopted," I informed her. "Almost two weeks ago."

She shook her head sadly. They'd been returned. All the ex-adoptee said was that it just wasn't the right time. No one asked anymore questions. Feline Rescue tries to be as non-judgmental and open as possible so people are comfortable returning their cats if need be. 

Hamburger (front) and Olivia Benson, curled up infinity-cat style.

I visited Hamburger and Olivia Benson before I left. Hamburger was washing Olivia Benson as they lay curled up in infinity-cat style (lying next to each other, but facing opposite directions so when you pet them you can continue from the tail of one cat to the head of the next and never have to stop). Poor kitties.

In better news, Mama Lu and her children, Tux T and Licorice were all adopted... together! I was thrilled to hear that they were able to stick together, even if I was sad to not say goodbye, or see them curled up with each other in the large, side room.

Tawret and Benita found my paper towel very amusing.

Tawret playing with my paper towel.